Donna Hay is one of my flavorista icons simply because her magazine and her cookbooks make you want to cook – immediately! From Austrailia, she has been instrumental in leading the culinary trail there. She started her career in publishing at Marie Claire magazine. Now with 17 books under her belt (3.3 million books sold worldwide) and her magazine (look for it at Barnes and Noble or Borders), she has made a profound impact on many flavoristas.
Her “Patty Cakes” were lovely. Makes you wonder if these are what were in the childhood rhyme “Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Bakers’ Man,” as indeed they were fast to make. Warm from the oven they are simply delicious. You could serve them with whipped cream, lemon curd or chocolate ganache.
Patty Cakes (aka cupcakes), adapted from The New Cook
Makes 1 dozen
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
5 ounces butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup super fine sugar
3 eggs lightly beaten
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Place the eggs in a bowl and beat lightly. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, buttermilk and vanilla. Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time until well blended. Let mix for a few minutes. Place cupcake liners into a muffin tin. Fill 3/4 the way full and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.
She cooks very well and I liked all her styles in preparing them, She is really a proffessional Chef!